WIOŚ:
Unmanned aerial vehicles will primarily be used to efficiently collect data in the field. The equipment will be used to inspect hard-to-reach places, excavation sites and large areas, estimate the size of inspection areas, as well as survey entire sites while identifying incidents that affect the environment.
Ultimately, each of WIOŚ’s branch offices—the Legnica, Jelenia Góra and Wałbrzych branches—is planned to receive drones for use in inspection activities.
“I am very pleased that the Wrocław Provincial Environmental Protection Inspectorate is using the most modern technologies and systematically equipping the institution with equipment that enables it to perform its duties more effectively. I am convinced that the newly purchased drones will improve WIOŚ’s operations and thus contribute to the protection of the natural environment,” said the Lower Silesian Voivode Jarosław Obremski.
“There are situations when we need information to assess incidents in the field, and the only way to provide it to us quickly enough is through material recorded by a drone. This allows us to obtain the knowledge necessary during the inspection process. Standard inspections will additionally be supported by aerial observation. Nevertheless, we will mainly use drones in so-called intervention inspections,” explains Mariusz Wojewódka, deputy head of WIOŚ.
Moreover, a special group has been established at the Wrocław inspectorate to operate unmanned aerial vehicles. The employees who will conduct flights as part of their official duties have completed training and obtained licenses.
The drones are equipped with a thermal-imaging system designed specifically for inspectors and public safety officers. “We also have a lightweight and mobile drone, which will be used particularly for intervention tasks requiring rapid and efficient action,” says Łukasz Dąbrowski, coordinator for unmanned aerial vehicles.
Five drones were purchased for a total of approximately PLN 40,000. In addition to drones, the Wrocław Provincial Environmental Protection Inspectorate also has other equipment supporting inspections, such as electric cars. (Electric vehicles are also used for inspection activities, simultaneously helping to uphold the principles of sustainable development.)